Jamaica Plain Pub Preps as 'Tartan Army' World Cup Headquarters

The Haven, Boston's only Scottish pub, expects 40,000 Scots to visit this summer for the World Cup.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of blue, white, and yellow, capturing the energy and excitement of Scottish football fans gathered for a match or celebration, with overlapping planes and fragmented figures.The vibrant, fractured celebration of Scottish fans at a World Cup match reflects the passionate, gregarious spirit of the 'Tartan Army' in Boston.Boston Today

The Haven, a Scottish pub in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, is preparing to serve as the headquarters for the 'Tartan Army' of Scottish fans during the 2026 World Cup. The pub's owner, Jason Waddleton, a Scottish native, has stocked up on over 120 kegs of the popular Scottish beer Tennent's and is planning a fan festival with Scottish trivia, whiskey tastings, live music, and more to welcome the estimated 40,000 Scots expected to visit Boston for the games.

Why it matters

The Haven's transformation into a hub for Scottish fans during the World Cup highlights the strong cultural ties between Boston and Scotland, as well as the economic boost that major sporting events can bring to local businesses. As one of the only Scottish pubs in the city, The Haven is poised to play a central role in fostering connections between the two communities.

The details

The Haven, which has been in business since 2010 and moved to its current location on Amory Street four years ago, is decked out with Scottish memorabilia and features a Tennent's beer tap, a fan favorite. Owner Jason Waddleton has been working with Tennent's distribution to stock up on 120 kegs of the Scottish lager out of a total 300 kegs being shipped to Boston for the World Cup. In addition to the beer, Waddleton plans to host Scottish trivia, whiskey tastings, live music, DJs, and a fan festival outside the pub to create a 'home from home' experience for his fellow Scots.

  • The 2026 World Cup will take place in June.
  • The Haven has been in business since 2010.
  • The pub moved to its current location on Amory Street in Jamaica Plain four years ago.

The players

The Haven

A Scottish pub in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood that is preparing to serve as the headquarters for Scottish fans during the 2026 World Cup.

Jason Waddleton

The owner of The Haven, a Scottish native who is planning a fan festival and stocking up on Scottish beer to welcome the estimated 40,000 Scots expected to visit Boston for the World Cup.

Tennent's

A popular Scottish beer brand that is working with The Haven to ship over 300 kegs to Boston, 120 of which will be distributed to the pub for the World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“'I have manifested this. When the draw was made, it was just like hitting the jackpot. It was amazing.'”

— Jason Waddleton, Owner, The Haven

“'Anyone that comes in from Scotland, their eyes light up at the Tennent's tap.'”

— Jason Waddleton, Owner, The Haven

“'A lot of people wearing kilts, first of all. Wearing Scotland tops, probably. Some face makeup might not be that rare either.'”

— Jason Waddleton, Owner, The Haven

“'We use the term in your face. They're open, gregarious. Just talk to them. They're going to talk straight back to you. Very open people. I think it's a good fit for Boston. I think people from Boston are like that, too.'”

— Jason Waddleton, Owner, The Haven

What’s next

The Haven plans to host a series of events and activities in the lead-up to the World Cup, including Scottish trivia, whiskey tastings, live music, and a fan festival outside the pub to create a festive atmosphere for the expected influx of Scottish supporters.

The takeaway

The transformation of The Haven into a hub for Scottish fans during the World Cup highlights the strong cultural ties between Boston and Scotland, as well as the economic opportunities that major sporting events can bring to local businesses. As one of the only Scottish pubs in the city, The Haven is poised to play a central role in fostering connections between the two communities and providing a 'home from home' experience for visiting Scots.